Best thing for dry hooves

[RolyPolyPony]

As title really. My mare's feet are starting to look quite dry. I wondered if anyone could recommend something to put on them that works. I've seen a few gels (i can't remember which they were now!) but not sure what one will be the best. Thank in advance.

 

[baymareb]

Water actually. Is your mare turned out? One thing that works well is to overfill the water tank which makes a wet area around it so they get some moisture whenever they take a drink. Or you can just hose their feet regularly.

My daughter's gelding's feet were getting quite dry and I began hosing them for about five minutes daily - they look much better and healthier. Cheap and effective.

 

[Django Pony]

Effol hoof ointment is fantastic. Either that or Kevin Bacon's hoof dressing. Both were recommended by my farrier.

 

[Meandtheboys]

Another one here for Kevin Bacon - recomended by my farrier

 

[hannabanana]

BaymareB method is good if they are looking a lil dry, if that fails I slap on a bit of hoof oil or cornu cresent two to three times a week. and if there is any cracks I like to moisten the crack with a bit of water then lock it in with stockholm tar.

 

[appylass]

I like NAF HoofMoist, I think it does a good job.

I have been advised never to use oil.

 

[Chestnut mare]

My farrier recommends linseed oil from a hardware shop and I found it worked brilliantly

 

[RolyPolyPony]

Appylass - i too have been told not to use hoof oil, apparently this actually causes the hooves to dry out?

i think i may give the water a go to start with. Thanks for your replies.

 

[miss_c]

My farrier told me to wet Genie's hooves, and then put Kevin Bacon on them as well. Works a treat!

 

[monkeybum13]

I use effol which is fab but number one for me is water!
The mares have a river in their field which they go down in and stand in (Lacey can reach all the juicy grass on the high bank the other side!) and their hooves really do benefit from it

 

[magichorse]

Aquious cream from the chemist is pretty good and cheap too- about £2 for a big pot of it. I found that it works at least as well as 'hoof moist' but costs loads less.

 

[wizbit]

Kevin Bacon is fab, or Cornucrescine but this is messy

 

[smiffyimp]

I like NAF HoofMoist, I think it does a good job.

I have been advised never to use oil.

Agree here. If poss really water the area around the water trough in the field, they WILL drink, so while drinking soak their feet.

 

[HollyB66]

Another vote for Kevin Bacon. Had dry hooves at the beginning of the summer but this has been improved immensely by using KB, they have been lovely for ages now.

 

[nemo_]

Another vote for NAF HoofMoist, reasonably cheap and works well. Have also been told oil dries hooves

 

[coss]

oil and water don't mix - putting oil on the hooves stops water going into the hoof so it adds a glisten without adding moisture.... i've used hoof moist which has worked. having a lot of mud about helps